Justin Timberlake’s DUI Arrest Footage Released After Privacy Lawsuit Settlement

Body camera footage of Justin Timberlake’s 2024 arrest in Sag Harbor, New York, was released Friday, March 22, 2024, after the singer reached a settlement in his privacy lawsuit against the Sag Harbor Police Department, agreeing to redactions of the video according to the Associated Press.

Arrest and Initial Charges

Timberlake, 43, was initially pulled over and charged with driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor, on June 18, 2024. NBC New York reported he later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired, a traffic infraction.

The Footage and Timberlake’s Statements

The video, published by The Sag Harbor Express after a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, shows Timberlake outside his BMW sport utility vehicle as officers administer field sobriety tests. He is heard saying, “Guys, I’m just following my friends back to my house. I’m not doing anything. I’m just following my friends back to my house,” with speech that appears slow, and slurred. The Associated Press detailed his struggles during the tests, including difficulty walking a straight line and completing a foot lift exercise.

Timberlake is recorded as saying, “Sorry, I’m a little nervous,” and “These are like, really hard tests.” He was subsequently placed in handcuffs and arrested.

Legal Battle and Settlement

Timberlake initially filed a petition on March 2, 2024, to block the release of the footage, citing privacy concerns. A temporary restraining order was granted, but lifted after an agreement was reached with Sag Harbor officials regarding redactions. As reported by 27East, Timberlake’s lawyers stated the redacted footage “does not constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.”

Police Account of the Arrest

The arrest occurred around 12:37 a.m. On June 18, 2024, after Timberlake allegedly ran a stop sign and failed to maintain the correct lane on Madison Street and Jermain Avenue in Sag Harbor. According to prosecutors, officers observed bloodshot and glassy eyes, a strong odor of alcohol, slowed speech, unsteady footing, and poor performance on standardized field sobriety tests.

Village Response

Vincent Toomey, an attorney for the Village of Sag Harbor, stated the village has attempted to comply with FOIL mandates throughout the process, redacting the footage to address safety and privacy concerns. 27East reported the village is pleased the matter is resolved and they can fulfill their obligation to release the footage under FOIL.